There weren't many times in our travels that we separated. Even for short periods of times. In the beginning, Xena would leave me in a village or clearing to protect me from whatever it was we faced.

I remember why it was we separated after my first introduction to the Amazons. Once again, Xena won't give me a straight answer so I can only assume it was for a similar, or the same, reason as me.

While we had discussed some more things of Xena's past and had dealt with me withholding the tiny detail of being an Amazon princess, I couldn't tell my warrior princess exactly how I felt. And the fact I thought I was going to be kissed…

I'd admitted to being in love with Xena, but hadn't knowledge of exactly what can happen between two women. While most in the Amazon tribe were warriors, there were those that I would class more so as lovers.

It was their feedback that enlightened me. I roll my eyes as I see the smirk on Xena's face. I don't know how she does it. She's putting the finishing touches on the cradle, yet she can almost read my parchment from there.

Or is it she can read me? I wonder if that's why we both chose to walk separate paths, at least for a little while. We were both headed in the same direction, as always. It was the way in which we journeyed that varied.

The same could be said when I had attempted my path of love. While I still believe in the lessons of Eli, I can't stand by and not fight for what I believe in. For the greater good. For those that cannot fight for themselves.

And one would be lovers. It wasn't the fight the latest adventure was about. But it was always my favorite reason to fight. To make certain love was safe. My favorite was when we helped Xenon.

Once again, I'm getting ahead of myself. It's a story for another time. As there are so many adventures we shared together. And so many more to come. For now, this is the story of how we affect those from our pasts. Sometimes without even knowing it.

THE BLACK WOLF

It wasn't normal for the warrior princess and her bard to travel separately. In the recent past, it was to leave Gabrielle somewhere safe. But now that she had picked up a staff, it wasn't exactly an excuse Xena could use anymore.

Still, it was as if Gabrielle had needed the time away from her. It had to do with the fact the warrior princess had leaned in. Had her bard thought they might kiss? Whatever the reason, they spent the evening apart and Xena had started their latest adventure alone. She and Argo were in need of new shoes. Not shocking with all the traveling they always did.

Instead of finding a pair of shoes, Xena discovered injustice once again. It didn't matter who was being assaulted or why. A defenseless woman was being shoved around. Of course the warrior princess had to intervene.

When Xena realized it was Hermia, she was even more satisfied she had stepped in. But what about little Flora? The warrior princess hadn't had many female friends while growing up. But Flora was different. She had been like the little sister Xena had never had.

It was difficult hearing two of her former friends were already on the other side. The fact it was because of yet another tyrant already had Xena forming a plan. When she heard Flora had been imprisoned, it caused the plan to grow instantly.

As always, Xena had perfect timing. The fact she had taken out the guards and not made a sound had an impact on Xerxes. Luckily, the man in charge of security was not the brightest.

Take out one and say they were the black wolf? Kill them all? While it was once Xena's mantra, she knew it would have a backlash. It was why some hated her still. The few she had left behind had become fighters. And those that died had become martyrs.

Problem solver? That was rich. Though it was true. The price was to make it known she was worth their time. The man was stupid. How had he become Xerxes right-hand man? His lack of intelligence would come in handy later.

Throwing around names from her past good deeds was almost comical. Xena knew the names would have a great impact on a man like Xerxes. But not this Koulos. The threat of death. Did it really need to be made? Apparently so.

The show was…Xena quite enjoyed showing up Koulos. She enjoyed telling him he'd make a comeback in the end. It wouldn't have taken much for her to easily defeat the man. But she wanted to humiliate him as much as possible.

One creepy man was the first one Xena made contact with. She wasn't certain what to make of the man with the rock. And from the get go, Xena made everyone know she was untouchable. Especially from the big oaf.

The young man, Diomedes, was someone to reckon with. Though there was something about him. He spoke big, but it seemed he wasn't the one in charge. It would be interesting to discover exactly who was.

And there was Flora. It was unbelievable she was the same young girl who Xena had grown up with. So confident and so in charge. The thought occurred to the warrior princess that Flora could be the black wolf. But the first task was to get her friend to safety.

Yes Xena did have many skills. It included things she would rather not have broadcast. And yet, they would come in handy if she were to have a child of her own. One she could actually raise herself.

Flora was stubborn. Or was it a leader? Xena was quickly realizing how caring her young friend was. The kind of leader Xena had wished she had been. And hoped she could be towards Gabrielle.

It wasn't her first thoughts of her traveling companion. Xena only hoped Gabrielle was somehow managing to stay out of trouble. Hopefully she was with Argo and not getting herself into something.

And just like that, Xena found herself in a bit of water. At least it was neither hot nor cold. It didn't take much for the warrior princess to free herself from her prison and hold a sword at Koulos's throat.

For now, Xena had her freedom to once again mingle amongst the prisoners. And who should literally fall at her feet? Salmoneus was the last person she thought she would encounter once again. And had her thinking of how they had met.

Salmoneus was someone that could be very useful. After all, it was as he said. He was a businessman. If there was anyone that could run a good scam, it was him. The only one who had a better reputation would be Autolycus, though Xena had never had the honor of meeting the King of Thieves.

While Salmoneus was doing as asked, it left Xena to attempt to convince Flora and the others their plan would never work. It was easy to point out the proof. Once again, the young man was attempting to show he was in charge. Making it known he wasn't as in charge as he would like.

It didn't take long for those with Flora to be ready for the escape attempt. Of course there was a disagreement on if Flora could tie the knots properly. Of course she could. Xena, like with Gabrielle, would have to realize she wasn't a child anymore.

The fact Flora remembered the quote informed Xena that her friend had truly clung to her words. Had attempted to learn from her hero. She was a lot like Gabrielle. And yet was so different. If only because Xena could never see Flora as anything but the sister she never had.

Yes, one of the gifts and the curses was how Xena could read people. Including the young woman before her. It was sad that Flora still hadn't figured out why Xena had pulled her hand away all those years ago. But it was even truer today that she considered young Flora her sister.

And Salmoneus came through once again. Not without having his say about a way to make money. It was what drove the man, yet deep down, he had a heart of gold. She'd have to find a way to thank him.

And it was time. Salmoneus's assessment was, unfortunately, fitting. While there were still quite a few things that could go wrong, there wasn't a better plan at the moment. And there was still resistance by Flora's people.

There was something not right. The fight was too easy. The escape was simple. And yet, they were free and made it to the gates of the palace. And that's when the guards were waiting for them.

And just like that, Koulus had undone everything Xena had been attempting to do. She had wanted only Flora, but needed to gain the trust of those she refused to leave without. She understood not wanting to leave anyone behind.

As Xena stood before Xerxes, it was easy to place his mind at ease and to place the blame where it belonged. Had she really been attempting to discover the black wolf's identity, it was true how incompetent Koulos had been.

Back to the dungeon it was for Xena. It wouldn't be easy to gain Flora and the others' trust. But the warrior princess was good. Soon, she hoped this entire business would be over with. She was worried about her bard.

And Xena returned at the right moment as Salmoneus was in danger, merely for knowing the warrior princess. Of course she wasn't welcomed back with open arms, even finding a fight. All to prove she wasn't the one who had betrayed them.

And to add to the mix was the arrival of the one person Xena should have known would arrive. If anyone could track her down in an attempt to help, it would be her bard. And leave it to Gabrielle to sneak in her chakram and her whip. Both would come in very handy.

Salmoneus' reaction was almost worth Gabriele joining her in prison. Yes, Xena had a friend. But her bard was so much more. In the time they were apart, it made Xena realize she very much was in love with Gabrielle. And couldn't live without her. But didn't know when she could ever reveal her true feelings.

Tomatoes? What exactly did that mean? Did Xena need to take the chakram from her bard and show Salmoneus exactly how it was used? If he so much as touched Gabrielle, she would cut off his hands.

How Xena wanted to tell Gabrielle exactly what was happening. She needed to speak with Flora once again. Hopefully her bard would understand and simply go with the flow.

Flora finally understood the lesson Xena had been attempting to teach her all those years ago. Faith. If when one had faith in oneself and knew you could count on oneself, one could do anything.

It didn't surprise Xena that Diomedes wouldn't understand. He was a good man, but he was young. And he hadn't been through all the things Xena and Flora had been through.

And the fact Diomedes was in love with Flora and vice versa added to the plan. Which hadn't changed. Xena was more determined than ever to have the plan succeed. The factor of love merely added to it.

The first part of the plan was to out the weasel. Xena had been certain there was something up with the so called crazy rock guy. As it turned out, he was Koulos' spy. Getting rid of him was a sure way to endure her to the others.

Of course outing rock man would mean there would have to be consequences. It meant Salmoneus was suffering from the same bath Xena had, not so long ago. There was only one way to end it. But it would mean Flora and all the others would have to have a little bit of faith.

It was time to play Xerxes like a fiddle. That meant getting the ball rolling on the execution of the black wolf. Once again, Xena wanted this over with. Being held in prison wasn't her fondest of memories.

And just like that, the fight was on. Gabrielle and the others were free. Flora and her followers were showing just how good at fighting they truly were. And in the end, Xerxes was dead and Koulos was imprisoned.

It was good that there were already people in place. While there was still a fight to be had, there wasn't the tyranny of Xerxes. The fact Diomedes actually agreed she was the reason they had come so far was a positive indeed.

There was the reuniting mother with daughter. There was hope for the village. Gabrielle was right. It was all very touching. With the exception of Salmoneus and attempting to gain a profit from the story.

As Xena watched the celebration, she realized once again. While she probably could have accomplished what she had without Gabrielle, it wouldn't have been as easy. If she'd been there from the beginning…

Just like if Xena had known her bard in her youth she would have been different. Things would have been different. And the thought of Gabrielle ever leaving her had Xena enjoying the celebration even less.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Xena had made certain Gabrielle was well taken care of. It was nice of the warrior princess to have allowed the bard to stay in Corinth an extra day. Any place was new and exciting for the young woman having never been anywhere until she had met Xena.

There was the fact Gabrielle had needed time to further process what had happened with the Amazons. It wasn't so much the learning to fight or becoming an Amazon princess. It was the way one could love another woman. And there was what could have been a move towards a first kiss. But Xena had hastily moved away.

Gabrielle wasn't certain she'd really made any progress in coming to terms with everything, with the exception she knew she was extremely alone without Xena traveling by her side. And that she needed to find her warrior princess.

Having found Argo was a step in the right direction. But it still didn't tell her where she could find Xena. After paying the bill, Gabrielle was only slightly shocked to discover her best friend was in prison.

Knowing where Xena was turned out to be the easy part. There were no visitors so the only way Gabrielle could join her best friend in the dungeon was to be thrown in jail. The warrior princess must be rubbing off on her as a plan instantly formed in her head.

Just as Gabrielle was putting her plan into action, a stranger wouldn't leave her alone. Including taking away her tomatoes. All she wanted was to be arrested so that she could join Xena in prison.

In fact, her aim was true. The only problem? Instead of Gabrielle being arrested it was the strange man. Time was ticking. The bard knew the longer it took, the more trouble she'd have at reuniting with Xena.

Luckily, it wasn't too long before another opportunity presented itself. The gruel actually wasn't that bad tasting. But it was better used to gain the soldier's attention. It was nice of him to escort her himself.

The man who asked about his rock was creepy. And the moment she asked about Xena informed Gabrielle that her best friend had already made her presence known. The black eye on the big guy also told her the warrior princess had been up to her old tricks. Now to find her.

Did Xena really have to ask why the bard was here? Wherever the warrior princess was to go, Gabrielle would hopefully not be far behind. She knew they wouldn't be able to spend every single moment together, but more than a day…

Hopefully Xena was as impressed as it seemed. Gabrielle had thought ahead. It had been too easy to smuggle in the chakram and whip. She wondered why anyone would say it was impossible to escape.

How was it Xena knew the strange man from the market? Or was it so surprising by now. It seemed the warrior princess knew everyone. Though this man was different than most. And his reaction to her being Xena's friend…

Until Gabrielle saw the expression on the man's face, she hadn't realized how it had sounded. There was fear in his eyes. Why had Xena reacted so? The bard was still hoping it was because there was a possibility there could one day be more between them. But couldn't ever voice that hope.

It didn't take long for Salmoneus to explain what was happening. Tyrant. Fighting back. Needing to make things right. Gabrielle was glad she'd secured the chakram and whip. Now, she had to wait to see what plan her best friend came up with.

The plan was simple. The first stage was to smoke out the rat. There had to be someone sending information to Xerxes. Gabrielle didn't know who it was. She simply went along with the warrior princess' plan.

The loudness of the disagreement was enough to bring rock man near them. It also aided in Xena exposing the man as the spy. It wasn't nice to listen to conversations, but it made it so they knew exactly who he was.

It wasn't long before more of Xena's plan was unfolding. It was difficult to watch as first Salmoneus was tortured and then Xena basically threw Flora under the runaway chariot.

Convincing everyone else Xena was being true and to trust her wasn't easy. Relating the story Xena had told her just before Flora had been arrested seemed to do the trick. Now timing would be everything.

Gabrielle wasn't a fighter, but the way Salmoneus was acting made her cringe. Avoid the pointy end. Try and survive. Allow Xena and the others to do the fighting. It was something the bard was extremely experienced with.

Her new knowledge of the staff would hopefully come in handy. Gabrielle wanted to help, beyond having provided Xena with her weapons of choice. And she would from now on. It was exciting and terrifying.

When the fighting was over, Gabrielle watched the interaction. It would make an interesting story. But what she was really observing was the relationship between Flora and Xena. While Xena had told her Flora was like her little sister, there was a jealousy hitting the young bard.

Still, it was touching watching Xena and Flora reconnect. But Gabrielle wanted so much to have a deep connection with her warrior princess. Beyond what they already had.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()

The village was unsettled that much was easy to sense. Salmoneus had attempted to cash in on the entire black wolf but none of the members were interested in the money. They simply wanted a government that treated them fairly.

Gabrielle was in the room Hermia had offered the warrior princess and herself. The bard was only mildly surprised when Xena had accepted the invitation. And she wasn't surprised at all when Xena and Flora had nearly been inseparable since things had calmed a little.

The bard was perched on the tiny bed. The lighting wasn't all that much, but it was enough for her to see the parchment so she could gather her thoughts. It wasn't the story of the black wolf Gabrielle was writing. It was her own diary.

The diary had begun so that Gabrielle could begin to make heads or tails out of her feelings. So many things had happened. She'd already faced death a handful of times. And there was everything she'd learned, now including how to defend herself and others.

What had Gabrielle reflecting so much wasn't exactly their latest adventure. While being thrown in the dungeon and counting on Xena to gain her freedom had been exciting, it was her feelings towards Flora that she was studying.

There had been times, now looking back, that Gabrielle had been jealous. There had been the man she had met briefly that had helped to heal Xena when she'd taken the arrow to her stomach. There had been Marcus.

But there was something more when Gabrielle had watched the interaction between Flora and her warrior princess. While her mind understood it was a sisterly relationship, her heart wondered if there couldn't be more between them.

The quill was being chewed on as Gabrielle debated on what to write. She knew her words were safe. Xena wasn't even interested in her stories. The warrior princess would respect her privacy and only read her diary if she were invited to.

The knock on the door was unexpected. "Come in." Gabrielle hastily rolled up her scroll and placed it in its carrying case. It wasn't surprising when Hermia carried a tray in and placed it on the table next to the bed.

"I wanted to thank you once again for what you and Xena did." Hermia stood beside the bed. "The stories I had heard of Xena…" She trailed off. It wasn't necessary to say she was surprised by the fact the warrior princess was now fighting for the greater good.

And yet, for Hermia, it wasn't. When Amphipolis was being attacked, it was Xena who had defended it without question. Losing her brother had done something to the warrior princess. It was understandable, in a way.

"Xena, as always, did the planning and most of the fighting." Gabrielle glanced at her staff leaning against the end of the bed. It was still a new addition to her life. "I only helped when I could."

"You underestimate yourself." Hermia sat on the edge of the bed, keeping her distance from the bard. "And I don't want to overstep, but I think you mean more to Xena than you realize." She hoped she wasn't to cause a barrier between the two.

"I'm not underestimating myself. I helped by bringing Xena her chakram and whip. I helped by convincing everyone she could be trusted. And I helped by fighting a little." Gabrielle was now looking her new friend in the eyes. "But Xena is my best friend. There's nothing more to it than that."

Hermia nodded her head. She wanted to say more, but knew better. If someone wasn't ready to acknowledge their feelings, either for someone or by someone, there wasn't anything that could convince them.

"Well, I stood on the sidelines. I could only pray to whatever gods would listen." Hermia wasn't feeling sorry for herself. It was merely the truth. She wasn't a fighter. She was a homemaker. "If I had been able to fight, I would have. Why I say you did so much more than you give yourself credit for."

"I agree." Both turned to see the warrior princess standing in the doorway. The sun had already descended. Normally, Xena would be sharpening her sword as they spent an hour or so relaxing by the fire.

Tonight, they had the privilege of sleeping under a roof instead of the stars. Hermia saw the look upon Gabrielle's face. The bard was embarrassed or was attempting to hide her feelings. Either way, it was time to leave the two alone. "If you need anything, just let me or Flora know. Goodnight you two."

Xena waited until Hermia had left before making her way to the opposite side of the room. The small bed would barely be enough to fit her tall frame. She placed her sword and chakram on the stand next to the bed.

There was silence as the warrior princess stripped off her leathers. For once, she would sleep in something other than her traditional undergarments. There was a bit of security in the village now which allowed Xena to relax, at least a little.

That meant not having to be ready to dress in the blink of an eye. Not that clothing, or lack thereof, would dissuade Xena from engaging in whatever battle she faced. In fact, showing a little flesh could be to her advantage.

"I meant what I said. You have come so far in such a short time. I thought you realized that." Xena was now sitting on the edge of her own cot. The food was enticing, but she wanted to make certain Gabrielle realized how important she was.

After spending time with Flora and reliving the past, she knew her lesson hadn't been easily absorbed. It was because it was obscure in a way. While she would attempt to teach some lessons to Gabrielle the same way, there were some she wanted to make certain were clearly understood.

The bard sighed. They had come to an understanding. But things had changed so much since Gabrielle had inherited the title of Amazon princess. And there was the fact she now realized she was in love with her best friend.

"I guess I'm still worried about my fighting." Gabrielle could have left it at that. It was true. No matter how much Xena was willing to spar with her or how many battles she participated in, she would worry she wasn't good enough.

"I saw how close you were with Flora." Gabrielle managed to maintain eye contact. How, she didn't know. After all, Xena's gaze was intense. "And a part of me was…Jealous." There. She'd said it. Now she had to wait for her best friend's reaction.

Without breaking eye contact, Xena made her way to her bard. She knelt before Gabrielle. For a moment, the warrior princess had to concentrate on her breathing. There was a tension between them.

It wasn't merely the jealousy. There was a sexual tension like Xena had never felt. If it had been anyone but Gabrielle, she might be tempted to push her bard to her back and make quick work of declothing her.

Whether or not there could ever be anything between them, Xena had vowed long ago to take things slowly. To see to it that Gabrielle made the first move. Whether it be a kiss or something more, it was up to her bard.

"Flora was the little sister I never had. I can assure you from the moment I laid eyes upon you in that clearing, I never thought of you as my sister." Xena swallowed. She wasn't certain how much more to say. Or if her true message was being heard.

The thought of never being a sister was…Tantalizing. That was the only word the bard could come up with. Especially with Xena so near. It would be so easy to reach out and touch an angular cheek. To lean in for her first true kiss…

"I get that feeling. I think Lila, at least a little, looked up to me. And I always tried my best to take care of her." Gabrielle couldn't believe they were maintaining eye contact. Normally, she would avoid the intensity.

"As for you, I don't know what I felt when I first saw you. Except that you were unlike anyone I've ever known." Gabrielle smiled weakly. "And of course I followed you to your home village so…"

Xena couldn't help but laugh. She wanted to say so much more. She wanted to do so much more. Instead, she slowly rose. The warrior princess retrieved the tray before settling next to her bard on the cot.

"I want to thank you again for being arrested." Gabrielle couldn't help laughing. "It's not just anyone who would get arrested just to spend time with me." As soon as Xena had said it, she knew she was nearing crossing a line.

"I told you, I'll always be there for you. Even if it means time behind bars." Gabrielle chanced a glance at her best friend. Things were changing between them. Partly, it was because of the bard's continued growth, both physically and emotionally.

Mostly, it was because they were both exploring their feelings for one another. It was Gabrielle learning what love truly was. It was Xena realizing she could love and allow herself to be loved.

Xena managed to laugh. It was to break up the continued intensity of the moment. She rarely laughed and hoped Gabrielle would take it as meant. "I appreciate that. I think we just need to not be separated so much."

"Perhaps. But just know, you'll never truly get rid of me." Gabrielle took a sip of the water they'd been provided. "I don't know what the future holds, but I want to travel with you as long as I can. And to continue to learn. Everything I can."

"Good. Now, why don't I take these to the kitchen. You can try and write some more or get some sleep. I won't be long." Gabrielle merely nodded. It felt odd not taking either her sword or chakram with her, but Xena truly did feel safe.

It wasn't something Xena felt very often. Even near Gabrielle, she didn't feel safe. But that was for a completely different reason. The warrior princess shook her head attempting to block those thoughts and feelings.

It was no surprise that Hermia was still in the kitchen. Her old friend reminded Xena of her mother, at least as a caregiver. "Did you tell her?" And another way Hermia reminded Xena of her mother.

Cyrene had never pulled any punches. Whether it was loving her, supporting her or turning her back on her, Xena always knew where she stood when it came to her mother. She really did need to visit her mother.

"No." Xena placed the tray near the washing tub. There was silence for a moment. She could have attempted to play coy, but Hermia had been too good a friend to her mother. "And I don't know when I will."

Hermia made her way to her friend. She placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's like I was telling Flora. When it's time, you'll know. Until then, just continue to love her, protect her and make certain she knows you'll always be there for her."

As Xena stared out into the night, she knew it wouldn't be as easy as Hermia made it sound. Loving Gabrielle would be, as would protecting her and being there for her. It was keeping her true feelings hidden that would be the most difficult thing the warrior princess had ever done.